Advertisement

North America

Buffalove Promoter Sued By New York

By Deborah Speer

Posted Thursday, December 07, 2017 at 9:40 am

New York’s Buffalove Music Festival failed to refund ticketbuyers after it was canceled by owner Cody Conway June 5, according to a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman against the promoter Dec. 6.

But, according to the festival’s Facebook page, it was canceled because of “very unfortunate and unmanageable circumstances” and “multiple reasons beyond our control and in house issues that would have left too much uncertainty.” The site informed fans that all tickets would be refunded within 90 days – but not by its ticketer, Ticketfly.

Schneiderman’s office reportedly learned Ticketfly made a payment of $13,305 to Conway for tickets purchased through its platform and expected Conway to make refunds. When he didn’t, Ticketfly provided the refunds.

The state’s complaint alleges that 146 New Yorkers purchased tickets for a combined $14,896.42 including services fees. Ticket prices ranged from $85 to $125, according to the complaint reported by the Buffalo News.

But it appears that some purchased their tickets directly from Conway, including one would-be concertgoer who is still allegedly owed $1,000 for a cabin rental during the event.

“New Yorkers should get what they pay for – and they’re entitled to timely refunds if event organizers don’t follow through on their promises,” Schneiderman told the paper. “My office won't tolerate scammers who trick hardworking consumers into forking over cash for performances they'll never see.”

The suit seeks to prohibit Conway from engaging in any business in New York until he makes full restitution, and pays penalties and costs.

Neither Conway nor a Ticketfly rep was immediately available to comment.